Are you ready to learn how to make a gift bag? These newspaper gift bags are a breeze to create! These creative, handcrafted bags not only reduce waste but also add a distinctive touch of personality to any present. Imagine transforming yesterday’s headlines into delightful carriers for today’s treasures, combining the nostalgia of print with the joy of giving.
Whether you’re wrapping a birthday surprise or a heartfelt thank you, newspaper gift bags offer a unique blend of practicality and creativity. Join us as we delve into the art of repurposing newspapers into beautiful gift bags that are as kind to the planet as they are to your budget.
This holiday season save money and go green when you make your own gift bags out of newspaper. Better yet, while school is out, keep your children busy with this simple craft .
How to make gift bags
To make your own small gift bag (5 inches tall), you’ll need a few items that are probably already around the house. Here’s the list:
- Two sheets of newspaper
- Tape (clear packaging tape is best) or glue
- A ruler
- Scissors
- String, twine or ribbon (optional)
- ARTS AND CRAFTS STAPLE: Fiskars SoftGrip Scissors All Purpose for cutting a wide variety of materials including wrapping paper, paper, cardboard, and more
- PRECISION ART SUPPLIES: Durable, hardened stainless steel blades offer a sharp edge for scissors that cut all the way to the tip
- LONG LASTING AND RELIABLE: A dependable addition to your paper cutter, crafting, stationary, and scrapbook supplies; Fiskars craft supplies and materials are built to last
- CHRISTMAS CURLING RIBBON – XMAS RIBBONS GIFT WRAP SET CURLING RIBBON DARK RED SILVER GOLD GIFT-TYE RIBBONS 3 PACK: 3 Rolls 300 Yards of Thin Curl Ribbon Set (100 yard each) Ribbon for Crafts / Holiday Gifts Wrapping Poly (Polypropylene) Crimps & Curled for Women / Woman & Girls / Girl
- CURLING RIBBON CHRISTMAS - THIN CHRISTMAS RIBBON CRIMPED METALLIC & SPARKLE: Shiny Glossy Crimped Assorted Color Ribbon for Present Gifting, Tree (Trees) Decorations & Tag & Ornament Hangers, Ribbons for Gifts / Bows, Holidays DIY Hair Ribbon Tie, Box & Bow, Wreaths, Floral Arrangements Centerpiece, Bachelorette Parties, Valentines
- PARTY RIBBON SETS: Good Assortment of Ribbons Set for Florist, Craft, Parties Decoration, Curls Ribbon for Flowers, Wedding Presents, Balloon, Birthday, Anniversary, Baby & Bridal Showers
- GIFT TAPE WITH A SECURE, STRONG HOLD: 2 rolls of Scotch Gift Wrap Tape with tape dispensers gives a strong, secure hold to seal gift bags and keeps presents securely wrapped
- DISAPPEARS COMPLETELY: This holiday tape disappears on most gift wrap, letting the beautiful designs show through
- SATIN FINISH: The clear wrapping tape has a satin finish that gives gifts a smooth, finished look, making it the go-to tape for holidays, birthdays and everyday celebrations
Here’s how to make easy-to make homemade gift bags
Choose a sheet of newspaper that you’ll want for the outside of your bag. Lay another on top of it and measure then cut out a 15.5-by-8.25-inch rectangle to use for your do-it-yourself gift bag.
For the bottom of your easy-to-make gift bag, make a fold 2 inches from the lower edge. Fold the top edge down 1.25 inches. Glue these flaps down, using extra glue between the sheets to make sure both sheets are fastened. You can also use tape for this step.
Then you’ll need to measure and make several more folds to form your homemade gift bag’s shape. Working from the right edge of your cut rectangle, measure and mark the following points: 0.5 inches, 3.5 inches, 8 inches and 11 inches. Now make a creased fold at each of these points to form your bag.
Each side will be 3″ wide. The front and back are each 4.5 inches. The small fold you made at the right edge is the tab you will use to join your bag together, but don’t attach anything yet.
For reinforcement, you can run a length of packing tape around the top edge for extra strength. If you want even more reinforcement, you could use some heavier paper like card stock; cut a length and glue or tape that near the upper edge of your homemade gift bag.
Since I always figure the bags are throwaways, I skip this step and use these easy gift bags for lightweight gifts.
Now join the edges so the main bag shape is formed. You can use tape or glue. The tape is quicker since it doesn’t take any time to dry, but it will also show.
For me, quick always wins. Besides, the tape seems a little stronger than gluing.
Now form the bottom by folding sides, top and bottom, as if you’re wrapping a gift. Tape or glue to fasten. I like to line the inside bag bottom with tape or card stock for strength.
For a handle, you can punch holes in the top area of the bag and string twine or ribbon through to form handles knotted on the inside.
For variations, try cutting colorful paper with fancy-edge scissors and gluing that around the top outside edge of your homemade gift bag before you put on the handles.
You could also use old paper grocery bags, then add photographs, bows, or whatever else you feel makes your handcrafted gift bag complete. Altering the measurements by consistent percentages can make larger gift bags.
I told you it was easy to learn how to make your own gift bag! Giving a fun gift in a DIY gift bag is the best!
Is it hard to make your own gift bag out of newspaper?
Making your own gift bag out of newspaper is actually quite simple and can be a fun, creative project. It involves basic folding and cutting techniques, similar to origami, and requires just a few materials like scissors, tape, and of course, newspaper. With a bit of practice, you can easily create stylish and eco-friendly gift bags. Would you like a step-by-step guide on how to make one?
Is a newspaper gift bag appropriate to make and use during the holidays?
Absolutely! Newspaper gift bags can be a unique and thoughtful choice for holiday gift-giving. They add a personal, handmade touch to your presents and align perfectly with the spirit of sustainability. You can even customize them with festive decorations like ribbons, stamps, or drawings to make them more seasonal.
Plus, they offer a charming, vintage aesthetic that can stand out under the holiday tree. If you’d like, I can suggest some creative ways to decorate them for the holidays! Have fun making these DIY gift bags!
What are fun holiday gift ideas to add to these easy gift bags made out of newspapers?
There are so many fun gift ideas. Here are a few suggestions:
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- 🍎 Delicious dried fruit Gift Tray comes on foldable Wooden Fruit Bowl.
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- 🎁 ELEGANTLY PACKAGED GIFT BASKET LOADED WITH TASTY NUTS - Forget flowers and chocolate, give a gift that’s delicious and healthy! In this bundle pack of Healthy Snacks, you get approximately 1 LB of tasty gourmet nuts meticulously packaged in a boutique-style gift box.
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- Original Assortment of Danish Butter Cookies: Savor an assortment of traditional Danish butter cookies in an elegant 12oz recyclable tin, offering a variety of crispy, buttery treats that bring a touch of comfort to every bite.
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- Handmade Funny Emotional Doll - Each cucumber,potato,avocado,duck,shark,mushroom,penguin and more is carefully crocheted by hand, making it a truly unique item. It serves as a emotional doll with an encouraging message card, sure to bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. You will find that Hoedia Emotionall Doll is better than others in terms of color and workmanship!
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- Gift Card is affixed inside a gift box
- Gift Card has no fees and no expiration date
- No returns and no refunds on Gift Cards
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LOVE IT! ♥
Thanks, Mia! I hope you enjoy!
Sheri
Great idea. I could definitely use my unused garden bags for this.
What a great idea! I love it. I and trying to figure out how to make them bigger.
How much weight do you think this will hold? I am working on putting together some beauty and household gifts from items I have used coupons on :)
I would use it mostly for lighter presents, since it is basically made from newsprint.
Love your shopping with coupons strategy!